Overview & Reviews

At its debut for the 2002 model year, the Buick Rendezvous midsize crossover SUV was touted as a cross between a luxury sedan, an SUV and a minivan. But in reality, the Rendezvous didn't offer the level of interior design and driving excitement that luxury car buyers expected. And although Buick's crossover could seat up to seven and had the requisite fold-flat third-row seat, it was too small to appeal to minivan buyers, and it didn't have much of a styling advantage over them anyway.

An optional all-wheel-drive system made the Rendezvous a less costly alternative to true SUVs for buyers needing a snow vehicle, but otherwise this Buick wasn't particularly rugged. Over the years, the Rendezvous fell behind the rest of the crossover SUV crowd, which exploded into a very competitive market dominated by the leading import brands.

Rather than update the Rendezvous, Buick decided to halt production midway through the 2007 model year. For used car consumers who can accept the Rendezvous' faults, it could still prove to be an affordable, practical choice for a family vehicle. But we think the vast majority of shoppers would be better served by other, more refined crossovers, including Buick's own Enclave.

Most Recent Buick Rendezvous
Sold from 2002 through the first half of 2007, the Buick Rendezvous was typically offered in two basic trim levels, CX and CXL. There was also a high-line Rendezvous Ultra model in 2004 and '05. Since Buick considered the Rendezvous a premium crossover, even the base CX trim came with a decent list of standard features, including keyless entry, power accessories, air-conditioning and a CD player. The Rendezvous CX came with a five-passenger seating arrangement.

You could pick up a third-row seat on the CXL as a standard or optional feature, depending on the model year. This was also your ticket to leather upholstery, power front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, wood-tone cabin trim and alloy wheels. In addition to a more powerful engine, the Ultra model came with second-row captain's chairs (dropping seating capacity to six), satellite radio and a head-up display. These items were moved to the CXL's options list when the Ultra was discontinued.

But Buick stopped short of its competitors when it came to high-end amenities. Key safety features like ABS and front-seat side airbags were moved to the options list after the '02 model year, and items like stability control and side curtain airbags were never available. Buick did at least offer a DVD-based navigation system (starting in 2004) and a rear DVD entertainment system (starting in 2003) as options.

Although the Rendezvous' interior design and materials were better than most General Motors fare of the time, it wasn't quite up to import-brand standards. It was, however, one of the roomier crossover SUVs on the market, with plenty of passenger room in the front and back. It wasn't quite a minivan substitute, though, as the third row was best left to the kids. Cargo room was generous, too (with a maximum capacity of 109 cubic feet), though Buick's packaging of the third-row seat made for an uneven load floor.

Three different engines were offered on the Buick Rendezvous, and all were paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. For 2002 and '03, the only choice was a 3.4-liter V6 with 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration was sluggish, but fuel economy was above average for this class. In 2004 and '05, you could get either this engine or, on the Ultra model, a more sophisticated 3.6-liter DOHC V6 good for 245 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. For 2006, Buick replaced the old 3.4-liter with a more vigorous 3.5-liter V6 rated at 201 hp and 216 lb-ft of torque. It still wasn't a very refined engine for this class, but acceleration was improved. The 3.6-liter V6 remained optional for '06, but was discontinued at the end of the model year.

All-wheel drive (AWD) was standard on all 2002 Rendezvous models, but lower-cost front-wheel-drive versions were added the following year. Oddly, AWD was discontinued altogether for 2007, making the Buick Rendezvous the only crossover SUV not to offer any kind of all-weather capability.

In road tests we found the Rendezvous similar to most other Buicks in its driving characteristics, which is to say it focused on comfort at the expense of road feel. The vehicle's handling was sloppy, with considerable body roll around most corners. Neither the 3.4-liter nor the 3.5-liter engine was particularly competitive when it came to response or refinement, and the four-speed automatic's wide gear ratios didn't take full advantage of the power reserves. Although Rendezvous models equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 still had this old-tech transmission, they felt much stronger during passing and merging maneuvers. The 3.6-liter's power delivery was smoother and quieter as well.

Consumer reviews of the Buick Rendezvous have generally been favorable, as owners are pleased with its combination of interior space, ride comfort, fuel economy and overall value. Resale value has never been a strong point for the Rendezvous, so if you're in need of an affordable family vehicle, it might be worth a look on the used car market. We'd advise you to zero in on 2004-'06 models equipped with the 3.6-liter V6.

User Reviews:

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  Hot and Stylish!! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Stacie - December 30 - 6:42 am

  I couldnt be happier with my car! There is plenty of room for my two children in the back. I feel like hot momma in my Buick! The ride is wonderful!! I have the fully loaded CXL, it is total luxury! It is fun to drive and very economical. My next vehicle will definitely be a newer version of what I now have!

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  Great features - zero reliability - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kevin - December 27 - 8:40 pm

  I absolutely loved this car - for the first 51,000 miles. Then the left front wheel hub bearing failed. At 59,000 miles, the upper and lower intake gaskets. 64,000 miles the body control module failed. This causes your lights to begin randomly flashing, while your horn begins honking all by themselves. Then the A/C condensor, right wheel hub bearing, transmission, ignition key switch and security module, and now the blower motor speed resistor. Previous GM Lumina had same reliability, even though I maintain my cars. Thought Buick would be better.

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  Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezvous - December 18 - 2:29 am

  I was very pleased with the handling and interior quietness of my Rendezvous. I was also very pleased with the gas mileage. I recently drove to Atlanta Georgia from Ohio and averaged 28 miles to a gallon.

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  BUICKS LITTLE KEPT SECRET - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By dFOMBYKIDS - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I WAS IN MARKET FOR A VEHICLE WITH A THIRD ROW, NEEDED TO BE ABLE SEAT 2 CAR SEATS AND A 10YEAR OLD, GROCERIES STROLLER ETC.THE TEST DRIVE WENT VERY WELL, THE SUV HANDLED MORE LIKE A CAR, WHICH WAS GREAT. iT RIDES SIMILIAR TO A MERCEDES, VERY SMOOTH. INTERIOR SPACE IS WHAT WAS THE DECISION FOR US TO KEEP SHOPPING. THERE IS NO ROOM FOR ANYTHING BEHIND THE THIRD ROW. THE SECOND ROW SPACE IS CRAMPED. IF YOU HAVE 2 KIDS IN CAR SEATS I SUGGEST YOU KEEP SHOPPING.

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  Good kidmover, mileage should be better - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By BillJonna - December 14 - 2:00 am

  No real problems. The knob adjustment for the lumbar gets knocked off if youre not careful exiting the drivers seat, but slides back on. I just removed it. It rides more like a Van that anything. Youre up high and need to be to see around the mickey mouse ears for side mirrors. It handles on ice exceptionally with the AWD and thats a reason I bought it. I like the chisel cut design of the exterior. It jumps to the response of the accelerator, way more tranny jump than I like. Its my wifes car and she doent "go there" so it works out OK.

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  Im so glad I bought the Rendevous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By LindaBeth - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I looked for 4 months, driving every SUV out there. Narrowed it down between the Pacifica and the Rendevous. I was scared about the horsepower and liked the way the Pacifica looked better. But I just loved the way the Rendevous handled and just felt better driving with more room visability. The inside was designed by a woman, with lots of storage. I love the third row seating for such a small SUV. The horsepower is just fine. I get better gas milegae than my 2002 Ford Explorer, so that makes me happy. You are up high enough, like an SUV but drives like a car. I just love this car/suv.

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  Great! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Gerry Caywood - December 8 - 7:37 pm

  We went in to buy a Chevy Trailblazer or an Envoy(By GMC) and this one blew them all away... Better Gas... Better Comfort... Stylish... Everyone in the family loves this car.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Happy - December 8 - 4:39 pm

  I almost bought another Honda CR-V but was shocked that the road noise was not any better than my current one. I wasnt looking for it, it found me and Im so glad it did. This is the best car for the money I have ever seen and is very versatile. I love the ride and power. Me neighbor just retired as a service writer at a Buick dealer and told me this vehicle only needs service - never repair.

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  Not completely happy with RDV quality - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tracey - December 2 - 12:20 pm

  I just bought my 2003 Rendezvous on October 8. It has been in the garage 2 times in 2 months. Had to have the fuel tank gauge sensor replaced and also the Intake Manifold was just replaced due to leaking back into the engine. So much for the 110 point GM Certified Inspection. I have also been having issues with starting the veh as the ignition doesnt want to release once the vehicle is started, it sometimes continues to crank. I was told that this is normal in GM products manufactured since 2003. Not sure that we will ever buy a Buick product again.

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  3rd one in the Family - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Buckeyes1 - November 17 - 5:16 pm

  I was very aware of this vehicle when I began looking for a smaller better MPG SUV for my expanding family. My father and sister had both purchased an 05 and both loved it. I personally did not want to buy the same thing and looked at every other option possible. When the red tag sale started for GM I went pricing out the Equinox, Torrent, Vue, a Liberty, and some foreign SUVs. After all of this I told my Pontiac sales rep jokingly that if the deal was good enough I would consider an Rendezvous. He came back and said we may have what you are looking for. My wife drove it and loved it instantly compared to the others.Long story short we now have three in the family and got the most for our money